Want to know how to turn that frown upside down and make those pearly whites shine?
One of the most basic ways to get your smile looking great is to take care of your teeth through brushing, flossing, etc. Something that people often don’t think about when it comes to their teeth is their diet.
Diet can affect multiple parts of your body, and teeth are an important organ to take care of. Sugar-based foods are some of the worst food choices for your dental health. What you should be eating are nutrient-dense foods that promote better dental hygiene.
So, which foods, specifically, should you avoid? Let’s talk about it.
FOODS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT
Regretfully, sweet treats are some of the worst things for your teeth and your body in general. Sugar and the bacteria in your mouth work together to create an acid that strips your teeth of their enamel. Without the enamel there to protect your teeth, you are more likely to develop cavities.
Candies are an especially infamous culprit of tooth decay. Since candy is generally chewy, it tends to stick to your teeth for longer than other foods and has more time to create the acid that will eat away at your enamel. It is important to make sure you thoroughly rinse your mouth after you eat candy and then clean your teeth around 30 minutes after.
CITRUS
Fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit fall under the citrus category. Citrus fruits have a high amount of acid and natural sugars. This combo results in an acidic erosion of the enamel on your teeth. Citrus is generally very healthy, providing your body with a good amount of vitamin C. That being said, eating and drinking citrus in moderation is the best approach. Also, remember to rinse with water afterward.
SIMPLE CARBS AND BREAD
Simple carbohydrates like potato chips and white bread break down in your mouth by mixing with saliva. There, the starches turn into sugar, and the food becomes a paste in your mouth. This, similar to chewy candies, sticks to your teeth and gives the “sugar paste” more time to break down your tooth enamel.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol isn’t generally considered one of the healthiest of beverages, but in this case, it doesn’t have so much to do with your liver as does your saliva. Saliva is a very important aspect of your munching system. It helps food release from your teeth and rinses off the extra particles. Alcohol reduces your saliva production, which causes more bacteria to stick to your teeth. To help with saliva production, keep hydrated. It’s simple, but effective.
ICE
Ice is only water. It couldn’t hurt your teeth, could it? Actually, it can, but only when you chew it. Crunching on ice can damage your teeth by causing micro-fractures in your enamel. This weakens the integrity of your teeth and makes you more prone to dental accidents such as chipped teeth and broken crowns.